Dog Trainer & Team Training Specialist

Are you passionate about positively impacting the lives of dogs and their owners? Pawsitive Dawg Walking and Pet Sitting, a leader in fear free and force free pet care, is looking for an experienced and dedicated Professional Dog Trainer and Team Training Specialist to join our dynamic team to help with our dog walking services and mentor our current dog walking team members. Join us in our journey to create a world where every dog is understood and nurtured with kindness, respect, and science-based methods. Your expertise can help make a profound difference in the lives of dogs and their families.

Position Type: Part-Time

Schedule: Monday through Friday between 9am to 2pm

Pay: $20-$25/hour depending on experience

Location: Waltham, MA and Surrounding Communities

About Us

Pawsitive Dawg Walking and Pet Sitting has been providing professional, individualized pet care since 2012. We specialize in force-free, fear-free dog walking, pet sitting, and training services throughout Waltham, Watertown, Belmont, and parts of Newton.

This is a unique opportunity to combine your passion for dog walking and dog training with mentoring new team members and helping us maintain our high standards of compassionate, science-based pet care.

About the Position

As our Professional Dog Trainer & Team Training Specialist, you'll play an important role in both our client training and dog walking services as well as the professional development of our pet care team.

You'll provide individualized dog walking services, help dogs build confidence and develop positive behaviors, and work directly with clients to support their training goals.

You'll also help onboard and train new dog walkers, mentor existing team members, and reinforce our force-free, fear-free handling and safety standards.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working independently with dogs but also loves teaching, mentoring, and collaborating with a supportive team.

Schedule & Availability

Part-time position with weekday hours.

Monday through Friday availability required.

Preferred availability: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Alternative availability: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Working hours will vary based on client training appointments, pet care assignments, and team training needs.

Weekly hours are not guaranteed.

Opportunities for additional pet sitting services may be available.

Key Responsibilities

Dog Walking, Dog Training & Client Services

Provide individualized dog walking services using positive reinforcement and science-based training methods.

Develop customized training plans based on each dog's behavior, needs, and learning goals.

Work with dogs of varying ages, breeds, sizes, and temperaments, including puppies and dogs experiencing fear, anxiety, or reactivity.

Help dogs develop confidence, leash skills, appropriate behaviors, and positive associations.

Evaluate canine body language and behavior to identify potential safety concerns and appropriate training strategies.

Provide clients with clear updates, progress reports, and recommendations for reinforcing training at home.

Document training sessions and provide detailed visit notes and photos through our scheduling software.

Collaborate with management on training recommendations, client concerns, and appropriate service plans.

Team Training & Mentorship

Help train and onboard new dog walkers through hands-on instruction, shadowing, and demonstrations.

Teach safe leash handling, canine body language, positive reinforcement techniques, and appropriate responses to common behavioral challenges.

Observe team members in the field and provide constructive, supportive feedback.

Mentor existing team members and help them continue developing their professional pet care skills.

Serve as a resource for team members who have questions about dog behavior, handling, and training.

Help identify areas where additional training or education would benefit the team.

Reinforce company safety procedures and force-free, fear-free pet care standards.

Assist with developing and updating training materials, educational resources, and internal procedures.

Administrative & Team Support

Maintain accurate training records, progress reports, and documentation.

Communicate regularly with management regarding training progress, team development, and client needs.

Assist with training-related scheduling, coordination, and follow-up.

Participate in training discussions and team development initiatives.

Help create educational resources for clients and team members.

Required Qualifications

Minimum of 3 years of professional, paid dog walking experience.

Minimum of 3 years of professional dog training experience.

Strong knowledge of canine body language, behavior, learning theory, and positive reinforcement training methods.

Demonstrated experience working with dogs of varying sizes, temperaments, and behavioral needs.

Commitment to force-free, fear-free training. We do not use prong collars, choke chains, shock collars, intimidation, or punishment-based training methods.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Strong organizational skills, reliability, and attention to detail.

Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.

Comfortable using smartphones, scheduling applications, and digital communication tools.

Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license.

Ability to perform the physical requirements of professional dog walking and training, including extended periods of outdoor activity in varying New England weather conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Availability Monday through Friday.

Preferred Qualifications

Professional dog training certification, such as CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, or an equivalent credential.

Candidates eligible to pursue professional certification within the next six months are encouraged to apply.

Fear Free certification or willingness to become certified.

Previous experience training, mentoring, or onboarding employees.

Prior administrative experience, including scheduling, recordkeeping, client communication, or office coordination.

Experience working with fearful or reactive dogs using positive reinforcement techniques.

Familiarity with Google Workspace or professional pet care scheduling software.

Compensation & Benefits

$20-$25 per hour, based on professional experience and qualifications.

Hourly compensation for all assigned work, including dog training services, dog walking visits, pet care visits, employee training, meetings, documentation, and administrative responsibilities.

No commission-based compensation.

Paid onboarding and training.

Weekly pay through direct deposit.

Mileage reimbursement in accordance with company policy.

Cell phone stipend.

100% of client tips.

SIMPLE IRA with a 2% employer nonelective contribution for eligible employees.

Paid sick time.

Paid time off after 12 months of employment, subject to company policy.

Company bonding and liability insurance coverage.

Opportunities for professional development, including Fear Free certification and continuing education.

Potential opportunities for additional pet sitting assignments and career growth.

Why Join Our Team?

At Pawsitive Dawg Walking and Pet Sitting, we believe exceptional pet care starts with knowledgeable, compassionate professionals who feel supported and valued.

You'll have the opportunity to:

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of dogs and their families.

Help new pet care professionals develop confidence and skills.

Work with a company committed to positive reinforcement and continuing education.

Enjoy a balance of independent field work and collaborative team training.

Share your expertise while continuing to grow professionally.

Be part of an established, supportive company that has been serving pets and their families since 2012.

Who Will Succeed in This Role?

Our ideal candidate is an experienced, compassionate dog trainer who loves both working with dogs and teaching people.

You're patient, observant, dependable, and comfortable explaining training concepts in a way that helps clients and team members feel confident and supported.

You understand that successful dog training is about building trust, improving communication, and helping dogs feel safe while learning.

Most importantly, you believe that dogs deserve to be treated with kindness, respect, and understanding.

If you're excited about combining professional dog training with mentoring the next generation of pet care professionals, we'd love to hear from you!

Pawsitive Dawg Walking and Pet Sitting is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law.